String of arsons set several Fraser Valley schools and vehicles ablaze
A series of arsons in the Fraser Valley over the past week has damaged vehicles and several schools, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in investigating the latter incidents.
The first fire was reported in the early morning on Monday, April 13, with Abbotsford Police patrol officers responding to a report of a fire at the Bakerview Centre for Learning school.
“Upon arrival, officers found Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service already on scene, extinguishing a small fire,” Abbotsford Police wrote in a social media post. “The fire caused damage to the exterior and interior of the building. No one was hurt in this incident.”
Abbotsford Police Department
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Officers returned to the Bakerview Centre for Learning school just two days later, on Wednesday, April 15, when an early morning fire was discovered at one of the portable classrooms.
And on April 17, shortly after midnight, another portable classroom was set on fire, this time at Godson Elementary School.
Damage in the two portable classroom fires was reported to be minor, but all fires were confirmed by police to be arson.
Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service
“AbbyPD’s Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation into all three incidents,” said Sergeant Paul Walker, Media Relations Officer for Abbotsford Police Department, in a news release.
“These investigations are in the early stages, and additional resources have been deployed. Investigators are examining all available evidence to determine if the incidents are related. There have been no arrests to date.”
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or who may have dash-camera footage from the area of the incidents between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on April 13, 15, and 17, is asked to contact Abbotsford Police at 604-859-5225.
Abbotsford Police Department
It’s been a busy week for both the police department and Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service, as two additional fires were purposely set on Thursday, April 16.
Patrol officers responded to a suspicious fire in a parking lot in the 2700 block of Gladwin Road at approximately 9:44 p.m., and learned that a man had attempted to intentionally set a vehicle on fire.
Just a short distance away and roughly thirty minutes later, AbbyPD received reports of a second vehicle fire, this time in the 32800 block of South Fraser Way.
Abbotsford Police Department
The second vehicle sustained significant damage in the arson.
“Through timely communication and coordinated patrol efforts, multiple frontline officers quickly canvassed the area, identified, and located a suspect nearby,” said Abbotsford Police.
“As a result of the swift response and teamwork by patrol officers, 52-year-old Matthew Waldie was arrested and has since been charged with two counts of arson. He remains in custody.”